Playdate The Show

Welcome to the Fort, mi amor 🏕️✨What happens when you stop waiting for permission… and start telling the story only you can tell?In Episode 5 of Playdate, I sit down with the extraordinary Sara Lee Porkalob: award-winning writer, performer, activist, and creator of the Dragon Cycle, her epic trilogy of matrilineal musical plays about her Filipina American family. Sara is currently starring in Dragon Mama at the Geffen Playhouse, the second chapter in her Dragon Cycle trilogy, honoring her mother’s story.It’s a wild, heartfelt, multi-character ride through lost dreams, immigrant family dynamics, and the courage to carve your own path. And yes… she plays everyone!We talk about how her family stories became her way into playwriting, performance, and her own unique artistry. What started as an 8-minute solo performance grew into a sweeping theatrical saga that not only transformed Sara as an artist, but opened the door to healing, empathy, and real conversation inside her family.And because this is Playdate… of course we gonna play hard!Inside the Fort, we meet some of Sara’s iconic characters, improvise them into wonderful places, laugh until we lose it, bring Dragon Mama into the Fort Theater with puppets, swap ghost stories, and let Mr. Cringe wreak havoc with some of the most embarrassing moments of our lives! ✨ Inside this episode:- How Sara found her voice by creating her own work- The power of telling the stories that shaped you- What it means to honor your family without simplifying them- How art can spark healing across generations- Why comedy is part of emotional survival- The creative process as intuition, channeling, and flow- Why artists should stop waiting for someone else to decide who they get to becomeThis episode is for artists, writers, actors, daughters, family historians, and anyone trying to make meaning out of where they come from.It’s about lineage.It’s about identity.It’s about becoming the artist you were always meant to be.Grab some snacks. Get cozy. Welcome to the Fort 🌟CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to Playdate!2:59 Love Bomb!8:14 Speed and Finding Dragon Lady14:51 Pictionary + From Karaoke To Theater16:41 Weightlifting + Finding Her Creative Team24:00 Cauldron Chaos: Dragon Mama edition28:12 The Cringe Off!38:09 Magical Hats + Villain Laugh Off39:46 Fort Theater Presents: Dragon Mama42:46 Craft Time + Dragon Cycle Creative Process01:02:51 The Grimoire Closing Ritual01:03:43 Sara’s Dare For You01:04:30 Lorena’s Dare For YouTHIS WEEK'S DARE FROM SARA: set a timer and write from your POV as a child doing something you loved to do as a kid for 15 minutes. Put that pencil to paper!LORENA'S DARE: ask a grandparent or parent about a story in your family history that you have never heard of before. Find the magic and learn something new about your lineage!✨ About PlaydatePlaydate is a filmed podcast and creative playground hosted by Lorena Martinez; actor, creator, and TEDx speaker.Inside this fort for grown adults, we love hard, play, create, laugh, and have honest conversations about creativity, courage, and building a life you’re obsessed with.🔗 Follow & ConnectHost — Lorena MartinezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/biencreativelorena/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playdatewithlorenaWebsite: https://www.playdatetheshow.comActing/Speaking/Coaching: https://www.biencreative.comGuest — Sara Lee PorkalobInstagram: @sporkalobWebsite: https://www.saraporkalob.com/💌 Media, Partnerships & SponsorshipsFor media inquiries, brand partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:📩 pr@biencreative.com

Welcome to the Fort, mi amor! 🫧In Episode 4 of Playdate, Lorena Martinez sits down with actor Vincent Rodriguez III (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Insatiable, With Love) for one of the most joyful, chaotic, and surprisingly profound playdates yet.Inside the fort we talk about ADHD, creativity, musical theatre obsession, and the magic of being a wildly curious human.Vinnie opens up about growing up as a theater kid, booking his dream role on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and what it actually feels like to live with ADHD and sensory awareness in an industry that often misunderstands neurodivergence.Inside the fort you will find:🎬 A look at the journey from dreaming big to building a creative career🎨 How artists stay playful, curious, and creatively alive🧠 Insight into neurodivergence, sensory awareness, and emotional creativity💡 A conversation about ADHD and why it might actually be a creative superpower🎭 The powerful relationship between music, the body, and artistic expression🃏 Games, dares, and card chaos with a twist of imagination and magic🎤 Musical theatre geeking out, spontaneous singing, and puppet performances✨ Conversations about creativity, alchemy, curiosity, and the magic of being an artist🧸 A reminder that play is not childish… it’s a portal to geniusThis episode is hilarious, vulnerable, and full of love for the artists, dreamers, and beautifully chaotic minds of the world.So grab your crayons. 🖍️Pour something delicious. 🥂And welcome to the Fort.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to Playdate05:17 Love Bomb!08:14 Speed + Actual Magic Tricks!14:30 Our 5 Senses & Neurodivergence16:57 Broadway Heads Up21:57 Alchemy + ADHD30:10 Musical Theatre Geeking Out34:06 Finishing Heads Up + Vinnie Fun Facts36:58 Dares & Singing with Puppets45:33 Wonderful World of Vinnie47:30 The Grimoire Closing Ritual✨ About PlaydatePlaydate is a filmed podcast and creative playground hosted by Lorena Martinez; actor, creator, and TEDx speaker.Inside this fort for grown adults, we love hard, play, create, laugh, and have honest conversations about creativity, courage, and building a life you’re obsessed with.✨ Sobre PlaydatePlaydate es un podcast filmado y un mundo mágico creativo, conducido por Lorena Martinez: actriz, creadora y conferencista TEDx.Dentro de este fuerte para adultos, amamos con intensidad, jugamos, creamos, reímos y tenemos conversaciones honestas sobre creatividad, valentía y cómo construir una vida que te obsesione.🔗 Follow & ConnectHost — Lorena MartinezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/biencreativelorena/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playdatewithlorenaWebsite: https://www.playdatetheshow.comActing/Speaking/Coaching: https://www.biencreative.comGuest — Vincent (Vinnie) Rodriguez IIIInstagram: @vrodrigueziiiWebsite: https://www.vrodrigueziii.com/info💌 Media, Partnerships & SponsorshipsFor media inquiries, brand partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:📩 pr@biencreative.com⭐️ If You Loved This EpisodePlease subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/playdate-the-show/id1878479697 and share this episode with someone who needs a little bit more play in their life.

Welcome to the Fort mi amor!In Episode 3 of Playdate, Lorena Martinez sits down with Hollywood screenwriter Bernardo Cubria for a joyful, chaotic, and surprisingly profound conversation about clowning, writing, and the courage it takes to become the artist you’re meant to be.Bernardo is the screenwriter behind the upcoming Juan Gabriel biopic, directed by Gaz Alazraki, and in this episode we dive into the creative process behind honoring one of Mexico’s most beloved icons.And mi amor, this episode is unapologetically Spanglish! Because when two Mexican clowns get together to play and talk about art, identity, and Juanga… There is simply no filter.But because this is Playdate, we don’t just talk about art… We play our way into it!Inside the Fort you’ll find:🎭 A deep dive into clowning as an artistic practice and why it can transform your creative process🎬 Behind-the-scenes insights into writing the Juan Gabriel biopic🧠 Wisdom on finding your voice as a storyteller🎲 A chaotic round of Speed and our deep love for Lucille Ball🫧 Dares involving Oreos, bubbles, and loud compliments🎨 Drawing challenges and ridiculous games🎭 And an absolutely unhinged three-act puppet play written by Bernardo, “The Giant Void in My Soul,” performed at the Fort Theater… starring Mr. Cringe as Fool #2 and Chango Tu Banana as Fool #1 Somewhere between all the laughter and silliness, something deeper appears:A conversation about roots, identity, Mexican artistry, creative courage, and the strange beautiful path of becoming yourself as an artist.If you’re a writer, actor, artist, or creative soul trying to find your voice, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the fastest way to truth… is play.So grab your crayons.Pour something delicious.And welcome to the Fort!CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to Playdate!2:58 Love Bomb!5:24 Speed + Why We Love Lucy!10:11 Taboo + Early Theater Memories17:47 What It Takes To Be A Theater Legend20:50 The Fort Theater Presents: “The Giant Void In My Soul” (Puppet Play)29:35 Dare Time! Oreos, Bubbles + Chaos36:00 Craft Time: Writing, Feedback & The Creative Process46:00 Clowning: Life-Changing Principles for Artists48:25 JUAN GABRIEL: Love, Legacy & Booking the Biopic57:06 The Grimoire Closing Ritual

Welcome back to the Fort!In Episode 2 of Playdate, Lorena Martinez plays and dives deep with Broadway director Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages, Bare: A Pop Opera, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion: The Musical) between playful segments and a soul-level conversation about art, faith, magic, witches, and creative purpose.Inside the Fort, expect laughter, games, craft-time chaos, and theatrical storytelling… along with an honest exploration of:• The industry setbacks that led Kristin to discovering her true purpose• Directing Broadway legends and bringing iconic musicals to life• How the queer community models radical authenticity• The intersection of God, theater, and creative calling• What it really means to be a Witch• Women’s circles, superpowers, and reclaiming magic without fearThis episode gets real about spirituality and art. About failure and divine redirection. About discovering your creative superpowers and learning how to access them.If you’ve ever felt called to something bigger… If you’re curious about witches, women’s circles, or the spiritual language artists use…If you love musical theater and bold conversations about faith and authenticity…Grab some crayons, pour something yummy and welcome to the Fort!CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to Playdate!1:56 Love Bomb!6:52 Poetry, Play and Little Kristin10:33 Magic and God- A Faith Journey15:15 Directing Bear- Creating Holy Space18:49 Becoming a Director: Rejection Turned Redirection.22:45 Queer Community: A Lesson of Authenticity28:10 Dare Time!30:25 Directing Broadway Icons33:38 Navigating The Fear Storm35:53 Puppets Reading Poetry: “God, Sex and Musical Theater”38:41 Craft Time and Magical Witch Conversation51:30 The Grimoire Closing Ritual52:52 "Job Description To Myself" by Kristin Hanggi✨ About PlaydatePlaydate is a filmed podcast and creative playground hosted by Lorena Martinez; actor, creator, and TEDx speaker.Inside this fort for grown adults, we love hard, play, create, laugh, and have honest conversations about creativity, courage, and building a life you’re obsessed with.✨ Sobre PlaydatePlaydate es un podcast filmado y un mundo mágico creativo, conducido por Lorena Martinez: actriz, creadora y conferencista TEDx.Dentro de este fuerte para adultos, amamos con intensidad, jugamos, creamos, reímos y tenemos conversaciones honestas sobre creatividad, valentía y cómo construir una vida que te obsesione.”🔗 Follow & ConnectHost — Lorena MartinezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/biencreativelorena/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playdatewithlorenaWebsite: https://www.playdatetheshow.comActing/Speaking/Coaching: https://www.biencreative.comGuest — Kristin HanggiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanggilove/Website: https://www.kristinhanggi.com/💌 Media, Partnerships & SponsorshipsFor media inquiries, brand partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:📩 pr@biencreative.com⭐️ If You Loved This EpisodePlease subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts and rate it 5 stars! That'd me amazing! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/playdate-the-show/id1878479697 Share this episode with someone who needs a little bit more play in their life!

Welcome friends! In this very first episode of Playdate, Lorena Martinez sits down with The Chosen actor Noah James for a wild, hilarious, and unexpectedly profound ride.From Broadway auditions to the most epic Pokemon Cringe story you’ve ever heard, we dive into what it really takes to stay in the game as an artist; showing up when there’s no hope, risking embarrassment, and remembering to PLAY.Also included? Silly dares, a puppet rave, stunning artwork, and the kind of creative joy we could use more of these days.So grab some crayons. Pour a glass of wine.Welcome to the Fort!⏱ CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to Playdate02:32 Love Bomb!05:35 Little Noah and Pokemon08:39 Speed and The Scream Inside13:00 Broadway Audition - Frankie Camp!24:25 Heads Up!27:30 Dare Time! THE CRINGE OFF40:33 The Fort Theater presents: The Typist (Puppet Sketch)44:40 Puppet Rave Chaos46:26 Craft Time + The Chosen59:41 The Grimoire Closing Ritual ✨ About PlaydatePlaydate is a filmed podcast and creative playground hosted by Lorena Martinez; actor, creator, and TEDx speaker.Inside this fort for grown adults, we love hard, play, create, laugh, and have honest conversations about creativity, courage, and building a life you’re obsessed with.✨ Sobre PlaydatePlaydate es un podcast filmado y un mundo mágico creativo, conducido por Lorena Martinez: actriz, creadora y conferencista TEDx.Dentro de este fuerte para adultos, amamos con intensidad, jugamos, creamos, reímos y tenemos conversaciones honestas sobre creatividad, valentía y cómo construir una vida que te obsesione🔗 Follow & ConnectHost — Lorena MartinezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/biencreativelorena/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playdatewithlorenaWebsite: https://www.playdatetheshow.comActing/Speaking/Coaching: https://www.biencreative.comGuest — Noah JamesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_noahjames/EP Run The Dungeon: https://open.spotify.com/album/50kDhjlIaYkbtkaXWsgQOu?si=lG37zHzyQ5WKX_jNatk_og&nd=1&dlsi=b33b9dd344944a1b💌 Media, Partnerships & SponsorshipsFor media inquiries, brand partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:📩 pr@biencreative.com⭐️ If You Loved This EpisodePlease subscribe, leave a review on Apple Podcasts (link), and share this episode with someone who needs a little bit more play in their life.